Primary Fuel Filter
Encore has one Racor 1000FG Fuel Filter / Water Separator for each of the Detroit Diesel 6V92 main engines. Each is located downstream of its associated fuel tank and upstream of each engine. Both are easily accessible, mounted centerline between the engines, and very simple to maintain.
The upper section of each Racor 1000FG contains the filter element, the mid section contains the turbine centrifuge/conical baffle, and the lower section is the see-through bowl. Contaminants are removed from the fuel through a three stage process. During stage one, fuel entering the unit travels through the centrifuge, which spins off large solids and water. Both are heavier than the fuel and will fall to the bottom of the bowl. In stage two, water droplets will bead up on the conical baffle, and when heavy enough, also fall to the bottom of the bowl. Stage three uses the filter element to remove any remaining solids and water that were not captured during stage one and two.
Cleaning the Racor 1000FG Bowl and Centrifuge/Baffle
This job can get a little messy so it is best to have rags or absorbent pads ready to use. It’s also very helpful to have a bucket or other collection container that can be placed under the Racor. Fuel coming out of the bowl will be going into the bilge if it is not properly collected and contained.
*Be sure to close the fuel valve located between the fuel tank and Racor before draining the Racor bowl. Depending on the level of fuel in the tank, fuel may gravity flow into the bowl if the valve is not closed.
Located at the bottom of each bowl is a self venting drain. To drain the bowl, open the drain and let the fuel flow into a container/bucket under the bowl.
Once the fuel has completely drained, remove the four capscrews securing the bowl in place. When the bowl has been removed, carefully unscrew the centrifuge/conical baffle. It is plastic and could be damaged if handled roughly. There is a checkball located within the conical baffle. Ensure it does not fall out and remains in place once once the baffle is reinstalled.
When the bowl and centrifuge/baffle have been disconnected, clean and remove any solids/debris that did not drain out with the fuel.
Replacing the Racor 1000FG Filter Element
Replacing the filter element is very simple. There is a T-handle located at the top of the Racor which secures the lid in place. Unscrew the T-handle and remove the lid to access the filter element. The element will have small plastic handles on its upper end to aid in its installation and removal. Each new filter element will come with a new gasket for the T-handle and the lid. Replace those each time the element is replaced.
As recommended by Racor, I am using a 30 micron filter. You can find them here on Amazon for about $16 each.
Secondary Fuel Filter
The secondary fuel filter for the Detroit Diesel 6V92 marine engine is located at the forward inboard end of the engine. These are not spin on filters. It is a cartridge type filter with a bolt going through the top of the filter base securing the shell in place. To remove the shell and change the cartridge within, remove the 3/4″ bolt at the top of the filter base. Be prepared with a bucket and rags to capture any fuel that may spill out during the removal.
Once the bolt is removed and the shell is free, remove the old cartridge from the shell and replace with a new one. I am using a Donaldson filter, part no. P550540. Just like the new Racor filter, the Donaldson filter will come with two new gaskets. They also need to be changed each time the filter is changed. The smaller gasket is to be used with the bolt in the same manner as the gasket that is used with the Racor T-handle. The larger gasket is installed on the bottom side of the filter base.
Once the new cartridge is installed in the shell, the shell then needs to be filled to the top with clean diesel prior to reinstalling it to the filter base. This is a pressurized filter. If it is not completely filled with diesel, air will be pulled into the fuel lines and the engine will not start.
Racor recommends changing the primary filter every 500 hours of operation, every other oil change, or annually, whichever comes first. The Detroit Diesel 92 Series Owner’s Manual recommends replacing both the primary and secondary filter every 300 hours of operation.
You may end up changing your filters at shorter intervals if you are receiving poor quality fuel or if your fuel tanks are dirty. Keep an eye on the Racor bowls. If you see a lot of solids in the bowl, check the filter. Clean fuel is essential for proper engine performance. Changing the filters at the recommended intervals is an easy way to ensure the engine is receiving clean fuel.
Thank you for posting this article, and photos! This is one of the only online places I have been able to find the proper way to remove the secondary filter on a marine version of the Detroit 6v92. Much appreciated.